Monday, May 23, 2016

Miss Rosie Ro is nine months old and always moving!! You are a fast little crawler, even finding your way up the stairs with no fear at all! Your Daddy is trying to teach you how to crawl backwards down the stairs, because you are a little too adventurous and always try to go down the steps head first! You are clapping and waving hi, and occasionally even saying "ha" as you wave! You are still the worlds best eater in your division, with new favorites being chicken, blueberries, and grapes! Recently you've begun trying to stand in the middle of a room, which makes us wonder if walking isn't too far away! Sweet girl, you have the most precious demeanor, always pleasant with just a small streak of orneriness. We praise God all the time for putting you in our family! Our prayer is that He would work wonders in your heart and that you would spend your days loving and serving Him! We love you Roey!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been on a roll all year disciplining myself to cook more healthy and more often for my family. I wanted to share just a few recipes we've been enjoying. I love these because they're easy, quick, and healthy (or at least healthier alternatives!) Hopefully they help give you some ideas too!

Meatloaf

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 C milk (or coconut milk)

2/3 C old fashioned oats

Sprinkle of onion flakes

1 T parsley

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp oregano

1/8 tsp pepper

1 1/2 lbs ground beef

Parmesan cheese

Beat eggs, then combine remainder of ingredients (except cheese). Place in greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour 15 minutes. Spoon off fat. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for another 10 minutes. We serve this with green beans. The kids like to have some applesauce with cinnamon on the side as well.

Slow Cooker Classic Chicken Soup

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

6 carrots, chopped

5 celery stalks, chopped

1 small onion, chopped,

1/2 head cauliflower florets

28 oz chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp Garden Rae Seasoning (equal parts thyme, basil,

garlic powder, onion powder...I mixed 1 1/2 tsp of each)

Put all ingredients in slower cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

Chicken Parm and Broccoli

4-6 chicken breasts

15 oz can tomato sauce

1/2 tsp ground basil

1/4 tsp oregano

1 tsp sugar

1/4 C parmesan cheese

1C shredded mozzarella cheese

Baby broccoli florets

1/2 tsp minced garlic

Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in preheated skillet over med heat w/ 2T oil. Cook until brown on both sides (about 2 minutes) then layer in 8x8 pan. Combine tomato sauce, basil, oregano, sugar, and parm cheese and pour over chicken. Layer mozzarella on top and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. While cooking, saute broccoli w/ 2T oil and minced garlic. Saute until broccoli is crisp and tender (about 5 minutes). Serve on plate with chicken over broccoli. Delish!

Eight months old and ready to go! You're crawling backwards now and are so determined to figure out how to move forward, it's so fun watching your little mind working! You went on your first vacation to the beach this last month. You and your brother were the perfect little travelers! The apple didn't fall far from the tree as we discovered how much you loved playing outside in the sunshine! Of course the first thing you did was munch on a fist full of sand, which you didn't seem bothered by! But you were all smiles as you swam and played with beach toys all week. You are growing so much and becoming much more expressive, finding your voice and babbling to us in the car and as we sit to eat. It's just such a joy being your mama, Caroline!

About Me

I'm just a girl who can't believe I get paid to talk to women and make their hair pretty. I married a football coach who doesn't eat his vegetables, but makes me laugh and loves me like whoa. My spunky shelter puppy's favorite snacks are love seats and cell phones. In the spring of '13 our blue eyed boy joined our family and rocked our world. We've been changed by the love of Jesus and are enjoying the adventure we're going through with Him!